Parent Implementation of Function-Based Intervention to Reduce Children’s Challenging Behavior

Abstract

The purpose of this literature review was to analyze the research on parent-implemented functional assessment (FA)-based interventions for reducing children’s challenging behaviors. Thirteen studies met the review inclusion criteria. These studies were analyzed across independent variables, types of parent coaching and support provided, measurement of implementation and intervention fidelity, child dependent variables, social validity, and study rigor. Overall, the evidence provide some support that parents can be trained to implement FA-based interventions with follow-up coaching and support, and these interventions reduce children’s challenging behaviors and increase children’s use of appropriate behaviors. However, inadequacies in study rigor and reporting of the implementation and intervention fidelity limit interpretations. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.